Susan Boyle loses in final,but the shows just begun

Winners of Britains Got Talent,among the most-watched programmes in Britain,receive about $160,000 and a spot on the roster of the Royal Variety Performance,presented in front of the Queen. Their high profiles virtually assure them lucrative careers in show business.

But the same is often true for the runners-up,who in this case included Julian Smith,a soulful saxophonist who came in third. And the exposure Boyle has received since her original audition means she is a hot property who is virtually guaranteed a recording contract.

For weeks she seemed to be a shoo-in for victory. To see a middle-aged woman from a small town who lives alone with her cat,Pebbles open her mouth to reveal such a beautiful voice was inspiring. Celebrities like Demi Moore said they were rooting for her.

But in recent days there were worries that Boyle who is said to have suffered slight brain damage when she was deprived of oxygen at birth,and is so unworldly that she has no computer was cracking under pressure. Tabloid reports had her lashing out at reporters and swearing uncharitably about her competitors. But in the end Boyle proved stoic in defeat,graciously congratulating her opponents.